Philippine National Convicted of Murders of Wife, Son; Found Sane by Judge

Philippine National Convicted of Murders
of Wife, Son; Found Sane by Judge

February 28, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
(213) 974-3525

COMPTON – A Compton Superior Court judge ruled today that a Filipino man was sane when he murdered his wife and 8-year-old son in 2005, then set their bodies on fire.

Deputy District Attorney Ann Park said Judge Gary R. Hahn granted a motion by the prosecution for a directed verdict during the sanity phase of Ernesto Acedo’s trial. She said the defense presented evidence that Acedo was under the influence of an antidepressant called Zloft when the murders occurred. Park argued that evidence alone is insufficient in a sanity proceeding and asked for the directed verdict.

The sanity phase followed yesterday’s jury conviction of the 35-year-old defendant on two counts of second-degree murder and one count of arson. The jury deliberated a day before reaching the verdicts. It was excused by the court today after the judge granted Park’s request for the directed sanity verdict.

The prosecutor said Acedo faces a 33-year-to-life sentence when he returns to Judge Hahn’s court for sentencing on April 24.

Maila Acedo, 30, a registered nurse, came to the United States from the Philippines to find employment. When she found a nursing job, Park said, she sent for her husband and son, Duke, who had remained in the Philippines.

Ernesto Acedo arrived in the United States on July 23, 2005. Park said he believed his wife was having an affair. He stabbed her to death and smothered his son at their Paramount residence less than a two weeks later – on Aug. 2, 2005, the prosecutor said.

Park said he set both bodies on fire. He also caught fire, but saved himself.

The defendant has remained in custody since his arrest shortly after the murders.

sg

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